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Greg Canfield

News / State

Facebook to build $750 million data center in Huntsville

Thursday, Gov. Kay Ivey announced that Facebook will invest $750 million to build a data center in Huntsville, creating 100 high-paying jobs. Ivey made the announcement during a ceremony at the Huntsville Madison County Chamber of Commerce and was joined by Facebook representatives and local leaders. “Every day, millions of people around the world use … Continued
June 15, 2018

Ivey says nearly 15,500 jobs were generated last year from projects

Thursday, Gov. Kay Ivey and the Alabama Department of Commerce released the 2017 New & Expanding Industry Report. Ivey said that companies planning new facilities or expanding existing operations in Alabama announced nearly 15,500 new jobs and more than $4.4 billion in capital investment during 2017, according to a comprehensive report detailing economic development activity … Continued
May 2, 2018

Ivey leads economic development team on mission to Japan

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey is traveling to Japan leading a small team of Alabama economic development specialists on a business development mission. Ivey and her team are planning to hold high-level meetings with executives of global automakers Toyota, Mazda and Honda. “The auto industry has been a key driver of economic growth in Alabama for … Continued
April 25, 2018

Attorney paid by unnamed client to write, negotiate HB317

Is it appropriate for a lawyer working for an unidentified private client to write laws for a department of state government? Doesn’t the public have a right to know if a private individual pays for a bill to be written? How is it ethical for a piece of legislation to be sponsored by a member … Continued
April 17, 2018

Google holds groundbreaking in Jackson County

Monday, Governor Kay Ivey (R) was in Jackson County for the groundbreaking of Google’s new facility there. Governor Kay Ivey said on social media, “I’m excited to welcome Google to put down roots here & I look forward to seeing Alabamians provide world-class service to Google customers across the globe.” Gov Ivey added Thank you … Continued
April 10, 2018

Unknown and unbridled by law: Economic developers set to make millions off tax incentives

A new law establishing a class of individuals known as economic development professionals opens the door for profit-driven incentives paid with taxpayer funds to vaguely described, unknown agents not registered or held accountable to state law. There are many reasons to suspect that House Bill 317 is filled with loopholes not yet fully understood by … Continued
April 2, 2018

Gov. Ivey asks Pro Tem Marsh to press forward with controversial bill

Last week, economic development proposal, HB317, was left hanging while Republican Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh met with Gov. Kay Ivey to discuss the bill’s future. Bogged down in controversy, HB317 seeks to create a new class of individuals called economic development professionals who are exempt from state ethics laws. Currently, those who engage … Continued
March 20, 2018

Debate over ethics is being watched nationally in the economic development community

On Wednesday, proponents of House Bill 317 argued before the Senate about passing the legislation that would exempt economic developers from Alabama’s landmark 2010 ethics bill. Alabama Commerce Secretary Greg Canfield said that the bill is necessary so that economic developers can do their jobs and continue to bring jobs and investment to Alabama. That … Continued
March 20, 2018

AG, commerce secretary hide real problem with economic development bill

During a hearing on Wednesday to discuss the controversial economic development bill, HB317, not a soul present addressed the critical problem with the bill — the gaping loophole created by allowing individuals to work as part-time economic development professionals. Of course, the bill doesn’t use the words part-time. Instead, it calls this individual a “less … Continued
March 16, 2018